How the HTC Vive Can Help Companies Get Started With Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is largely viewed as a consumer technology. But HTC offers an enterprise-focused version of its Vive virtual reality headset designed business and industrial applications. is available in several countries including the U.S. Enterprises can create custom virtual reality experiences for the headsets for use in training scenarios such as learning how repair machinery in the field or to learn how industrial processes work. But virtual reality is still a new technology and enterprises need to think seriously about what they want to achieve before they choose HTC’s headset. This slide show will discuss the HTC Vive Business Edition’s features, how business can use the devices and a few of the caveats about getting started with virtual reality applications.

HTC’s Vive Business Edition is a virtual-reality headset designed for corporate users. While the device offers most of the features and bells and whistles users would find in the consumer version, it’s specifically designed for companies that want employees to engage in a virtual environment for training purposes, for design and engineering applications or to explore potentially hazardous environments before performing tasks in the real world.

HTC’s Vive Business Edition headset has two 3.6-inch screens sitting in front of the user’s eyes. The headset offers a 110-degree field of view and allows several connections, including HDMI and USB. The Vive also comes with controllers that help users interact with what they’re seeing on the screen. Two base stations that communicate with the headset track users’ inputs and ensure software accurately reflects the user’s movements.

In order to take full advantage of the HTC Vive Business Edition, users need to connect it to a fairly powerful computer. According to HTC, the Vive Business Edition requires a computer with a high-end graphics card, like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100 or better. Users will also need a machine with an Intel i5-4590 or better and 8GB of RAM or more. HDMI 1.4 and Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 are required.

According to HTC, companies can use the Vive Business Edition to train employees. Companies can create software that puts users inside a virtual world that mimics what they’ll be doing in their jobs. HTC Vive Business Edition can also be used to train employees on proper customer service techniques, HTC said. Ultimately, HTC believes companies can immerse their employees in a virtual world to ensure they’re ready for the actual world they’ll be working in.

In order to get the most out of the HTC Vive Business Edition experience, companies might want to consider creating custom software. HTC offers companies a software development kit that will allow them to build custom environments in which their employees can interact. The software can then be shared with the community or kept in-house to ensure competitors can’t use the app for their own purposes.

Companies that might not need a custom software experience can also take advantage of the dozens of pre-built apps available in HTC’s Viveport app marketplace. There, companies will find apps that other enterprise users have already built for use in the office. The apps include an automobile repair simulation, virtual flight controls and building tours, among others. Most of those apps are available for free.

HTC recommends companies looking to acquire the HTC Vive Business Edition should work with resellers. HP, CyberPowerPC, Zones, and several other companies offer reseller options to companies. Besides selling units, the resellers will help companies identify what mix of products and apps they can use to create the VR apps that suit their needs.

Companies that buy a commercial version of the HTC Vive will have access to a “dedicated phone support line” to help companies with their hardware and software concerns. The device also comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Although HTC sells the consumer version of the Vive for hundreds of dollars less than the corporate version, HTC claims it isn’t suitable for business purposes. On its website, HTC says that companies using the consumer version in a commercial environment are violating the company’s terms and conditions and voiding the warranty. Any hardware problems, therefore, wouldn’t be covered by HTC.

HTC’s Vive Business Edition is available now in several countries around the world, including the U.S., UK, and Canada, among others. The HTC Vive Business Edition is available to companies for $1,200. Companies can also opt for a Vive Business Edition Membership and pay $60 per month. For that price, companies can get a new Vive Business Edition each year, as well as dedicated support.